How to Get Your Baby Saying “Mama” & “Dada!”

One of the most exciting milestones in your baby’s development is when they begin to speak their very first words. For many parents, hearing “mama” or “dada” for the first time is unforgettable. But if your little one seems to be taking their time, don’t worry! There are fun, research-based strategies you can use to encourage those precious first words.

Below, we’ll break down practical tips into two categories: receptive skills (understanding words) and expressive skills (saying words). When both come together, your baby is well on their way to meaningful communication!

Building Receptive Language (Understanding “Mama” and “Dada”)

Before babies speak, they first need to understand words and their meaning. Here are three ways to strengthen receptive language:

1. Play Turn-Taking Games: Interactive games like peek-a-boo or hide-and-seek can make language learning fun. For example, hide and say, “Where’s Mama? … BOO! You found me, MAMA!” Associating words with actions and excitement reinforces meaning.

2. Encourage Object-Giving: Ask your baby to hand you items. For example, say, “Give the ball to Mama.” Repeating this helps them link words to people and actions.

3. Label Photos/ Use photo books or puzzles : Use family photos as learning

   tools. Point and say, “That’s Dada, that’s Mama.” Over time, your baby will build the connection between the word and the person.

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Encouraging Expressive Language (Saying “Mama” and “Dada”)

Once your baby begins to understand, you can gently encourage them to say the words with these strategies:

1. Mirror Play: Sit with your baby in front of a mirror and point to your mouth while making sounds: “Ma, ma, ma.” Babies love mimicking facial expressions and sounds.

2. Auditory Closure & Wait Time: Start a phrase and pause for your baby to “fill in” the missing word. For example: “Where’s Mamaaaa… seeee… (pause).” The pause gives them a chance to respond.

3. Acoustic Highlighting: Make words stand out by using a higher pitch, elongating the sound, or saying it louder: “That’s MAMAAAAA!” Babies tune into exaggerated speech patterns.

   
   

Putting It All Together

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Receptive and expressive skills go hand-in-hand. Once your child has a solid understanding of “mama” and “dada,” they’re more likely to start using the words in the right context.

Be patient, celebrate small attempts, and remember every baby develops at their own pace. Consistency and playful interaction make learning fun and natural.

Encouraging your baby’s first words doesn’t have to feel like a lesson, it’s really about turning everyday moments into opportunities for connection and communication. Whether through games, mirror play, or family photos, each small step builds the foundation for your child’s language journey. So, next time your little one babbles, lean in, pause, and encourage them.

That magical “mama” or “dada” may be closer than you think!